MONTEREY, Calif. -- Despite a break in the weather over the weekend, hundreds of fires continued burning in California, polluting the skies and raising questions about public health.

Health alerts are in effect across the state, but the air quality along the Central Coast seems to have improved in the past few days.

Much of northern California and the Central Coast is blanketed in thick, ashy smoke.

"I'm staying inside a lot more," said Monterey resident Jeniffer Bridges. "I definitely felt asthma reactions the last couple of days. Today seems a little better."

Air quality officials from Bakersfield to Redding have issued health advisories for several days, but said a break should be coming.

"It may be as early as tomorrow," said Monterey Bay Unified Air Quality Control District official Ed Kendig. "We'll see enough of a shift to the west where the plumes will be off the coast more and not passing over our heads, giving us our ash falling or odd coloration during the day."

Even though the skyline remained smoky Monday afternoon, most parents said they are breathing somewhat easier.

"Today, they're out and about," said Pacific Grove parent Laurie Hinkle. "I'm not having any trouble with air today."

Monterey County health officials said they haven't seen an increase in respiratory problems since the fires broke out.